Los Angeles is a modern, sophisticated city where culture is king.  It is located in Southern California on the Pacific Coast. This City of Angels was established by the Spaniards 1781. Los Angeles was merely a ranch town when the US appropriated it from Mexico in 1846, but by the 20th century the film industry shone a spotlight on L.A.

The city of 3.5 million sprawls across 467 square miles of desert basin, mountain canyons, and coastal beaches. If there was one word to describe Los Angles it would have to be diverse; for diversity is not only a characteristic of Los Angeles' geography, but it also describes the approximately 11 million people who call it home. The largest population of Pacific Islanders in the nation lives here, as well as the world's third-largest Hispanic population. Los Angeles is home to people from over 140 countries speaking 96 different languages.

Attractions in this city are numerous and varied. There are more than 2,000 museums, galleries, theaters and other attractions in Los Angeles. Los Angeles features itself as a great hostess providing its visitors with activities such as museums, beaches, restaurants, performing arts, people watching and sports. Take a stroll through vintage Hollywood along the Walk of Fame, stopping to catch a show at Mann's Chinese Theatre, then duck into the Roosevelt Hotel, recently restored to its old Hollywood glory. Rodeo Drive showcases the latest trends. No matter where you travel in and near Los Angeles, there is something exciting to do or see.  The area also features dozens of annual events, from parades, to sporting meets to festivals.

Los Angeles has drawn the attention of people from all over, making it the entertainment capital of the world. Hollywood  is only a few minutes away with the fabulous wonderland which is known as Universal Studios.  Plan an extra day or two to explore Universal with the family.  Among its intriguing film sets and sound stages situated in the spectacular Hollywood Hills, there are shows and exhibits to entertain and astound even the most sophisticated. 

Los Angeles has not only played a major role in the development of television, music, fashion and art in the past, it is also at the forefront in the present in creating and maintaining a diverse center of pop and traditional culture.

Population: 3,694,820

Elevation: 330 feet above sea level

Land Area: 469.1 square miles

Location: Located in the southwestern section of California, 120 miles north of San Diego and 383 miles south of San Francisco

Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (when it’s noon in Los Angeles, it’s 10am in Chicago and 9am in New York City). Los Angeles observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October.

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

As both a major business center and a world renowned vacation destination, there is no such thing as an “off season” in Los Angeles. With warm weather year round, this entertainment capital has something happening each and every day of the year. Summers are slightly busier due to the influx of vacation travelers who come to enjoy the many world famous attractions and sights. With temperatures during this time during the day in the low 80’s F, the nearby beaches and boardwalks are a must see. Spring and fall are quite pleasant with the daytime temperatures reaching into the 70’s F and the nights around 50 F. Winters are mild, and all of the major attractions are open, making this a perfect destination, whether for business or pleasure.

Getting There:

By Air:

Los Angeles International Airport

1 World Way

Los Angeles, CA 90045

310-646-5252

The airport is located close to the city and is served by most of the major worldwide airlines as well as certain regional carriers.

Burbank Airport

2627 Hollywood Way

Burbank, CA 91505

818-840-8840

The airport is served by many of the national airlines as well as certain regional carriers.

Long Beach Airport

4100 Donald Douglas Drive

Long Beach, CA 90808

562-570-2678

The airport is served by many of the national airlines as well as certain regional carriers.

Ground Transportation:

All of the major car rental companies are located at or near all three airports. In addition, taxi and limousine are also available as well as shuttle service to prime destinations.

By Train:

Amtrak

800 North Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

800-USA-RAIL

By Cruise Ship

Ships dock at the Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro/Long Beach).  Metrolink Transit provides bus service into LA.

By Bus:

Greyhound

1716 E 7TH St.
Los Angeles, CA 90021

213-629-8401

611 Maple St.
Los Angeles Maple, CA 90014

213- 627-2940

649 S Wall St.
Los Angeles Wall, CA 90014

213-627-5405

Getting Around:

While there is some public transportation available, the reality of getting around in Los Angeles is to travel by car, either personal or rental car. Rental cars are readily available throughout the city.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day-- Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day-- 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day-- 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day-- last Mon. in May

Independence Day- July 4

Labor Day--1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day-- 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day-- Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve- Dec. 31

El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historic Monument
125 Paseo De La Plaza, Ste 400
Los Angeles CA 90012
213-680-2525
Home of world-famous Olvera Street and site of Los Angeles' birthplace, this colorful Mexican marketplace, which opened in 1930, features 27 historic buildings surrounding the old Plaza.

California Museum of Science and Industry
700 State Dr
Los Angeles CA 90037
213-744-7400
Contemporary science and technology museum features exhibits on aerospace, science, earthquakes, mathematics, energy, health and economics. IMAX Theater.

HOLLYWOOD Sign
With letters 50 ft tall, Hollywood's trademark sign can be spotted from miles away and is recognized around the world. The sign, which originally spelled out "Hollywoodland," was erected in the Hollywood Hills in 1923 to promote a real-estate development.

California Science Center
700 State Dr., Exposition Park
213-744-7400
Exhibits focus around the science that we encounter in our to everyday life. Tess, the animatronic star of "BodyWorks," demonstrates how the body's organs work together to maintain balance. The Imax Theater, with 3-D capabilities and a seven-story movie screen, shows science-related films.

Capitol Records Tower
1750 N. Vine St
On its south wall, L.A. artist Richard Wyatt's mural Hollywood Jazz, 1945-1972, immortalizes musical greats Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. The blinking light at the top of the tower spells out "Hollywood" in Morse code.

Central Library
630 W. 5th St
213-228-7000
Major fires in the 1980s closed the library for six years. The original building, designed by Bertram Goodhue, was completely restored to its 1926 condition. The library also features a 1-1/2-acre outdoor garden.

Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St
323-933-9211
In July 1934, two entrepreneurs developed a European-style open-air market where farmers could sell their produce to local housewives. The idea was an instant success, the market has more than 110 stalls and more than 20 restaurants, many with alfresco dining under umbrellas.

Hollywood Walk of Fame
All along this mile-long stretch of Hollywood Boulevard sidewalk, the names of more than 2,000 entertainment legends are embossed in brass, each at the center of a pink star embedded in dark-gray terrazzo.

Huntington Gardens

1151 Oxford Rd
626-405-2100
The awesome 150-acre Huntington Gardens include a 12-acre Desert Garden. The Japanese Garden features traditional Japanese plants, stone ornaments, and a Japanese house.

Kidspace
390 S. El Molino Ave
626-449-9143
This children's museum is housed in the gymnasium of an elementary school. There are plenty activities for the children to get involved with. Kids can direct a television or radio station; dress up in the real uniforms of a firefighter, astronaut, or football player; or play in tunnels for exploring insect life.

La Brea Tar Pits
In the early 20th century, geologists discovered that the sticky tar found in these pits contained the largest collection of Pleistocene, or Ice Age, fossils ever found at one location.

Los Angeles Children's Museum
310 N. Main St
213-687-8800
Hands-on exhibits allow kids to record a song, make a TV show, learn about recycling, create arts and crafts, build a city out of pillows, and practice being a firefighter.

Mann's Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd
323-464-8111
You will have to attend a theatre production in order to view the interior trappings of the former "Grauman's Chinese," a fantasy of Chinese pagodas and temples, but the courtyard is open for browsing.

Museum of Contemporary Art at California Plaza
250 S. Grand Ave
213-626-6222
The permanent collection of MOCA is split between Geffen Contemporary and the galleries at this site, a red sandstone building designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki.

Museum of Tolerance
9786 W. Pico Blvd
310-553-8403
Using state-of-the-art interactive technology, this museum challenges visitors to confront bigotry and racism. One of the most affecting sections covers the Holocaust, with actual film footage of deportation scenes and simulated sets of concentration camps.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd
213-763-3466
The more than 3.5 million specimens at this superb museum in Exposition Park include a rich collection of prehistoric fossils; extensive bird, insect, and marine-life displays; an elaborate taxidermy exhibit; pre-Columbian artifacts; and crafts from the South Pacific.

Olvera Street
622 N. Main St. Sepulveda House
213-628-1274
Lively, one-block Olvera Street tantalizes with tile walkways, piñatas, mariachis, and authentic Mexican food. Restored as an open-air Mexican market in 1930, the street is the symbol of the city's beginnings when the original settlers built earthen and willow huts near the river. Vendors sell puppets, tooled leather goods, sandals, serapes, and other items from little stalls that line the center of the narrow street.

Pacific Park
380 Santa Monica Pier
310-260-8747
The 12 rides at Santa Monica Pier's 2-acre amusement facility include a roller coaster, a giant Ferris wheel, a flying submarine, and the Rock and Roll, a spinning experience with a light show and rousing music.

Santa Monica Pier
Colorado Ave. and the ocean
310-458-8900
Eateries, souvenir shops, a psychic adviser, arcades, and the Pacific Park amusement facilities are all part of this truncated pier at the foot of Colorado Boulevard below Palisades Park.

Universal Studios
100 Universal City Place
818-508-9600
Visiting the theme park is a sensational introduction to the principles of special effects. Seated aboard a comfortable tram you can experience the parting of the Red Sea, meet a 30-ft-tall version of King Kong, be attacked by the ravenous killer shark, and endure a confrontation by aliens armed with death rays.  With a “Front of the Line Pass”, visitors can get priority seating with no wait in line and go behind the scenes after the show to meet the stars (animal or human) and learn about special effects, etc.  The pass is well worth the small additional cost.

Events

January

LA Golden Dragon Parade
Held in late January

Location: Chinatown, Los Angeles
213-617-0396

Hours: 2pm – 5pm

Admission Free

February

Pan African Film & Art Festival

Held in early February

Location: 3650 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Los Angeles
213-896-8221

Hours: 10am – 11:30pm

LA Times Festival of Books
Held in mid February

Location: UCLA Campus, West Los Angeles
800-LATIMES

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Free

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is a two-day celebration of the written word and one of the country's premier literary events.

March

The Los Angeles Marathon

Held in early March
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
310-444-5544

Admission Charged

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go; on a 26.2-mile adventure that includes more entertainment per mile than virtually any other race in the world.

April

Blooming of the Roses Festival
Location: Exposition Park Rose Garden
888 LA PARKS (527-2757)

Call for additional information

Cinco de Mayo

Held in late April – early May
Location: El Pueblo Historical Monument, Placita Olvera
213-625-5045

Call for additional information

Admission Free

A well attended annual event honoring Los Angels’ Latin community.

May

Pacific Islander Festival

Held in early May
Location: Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park
714-968-1785

Call for further information

NoHo Theatre & Arts Festival

Held in mid May

Location: Lankershim Blvd. and Magnolia
818-763-5273

Call for additional information

NoHo is L.A.'s official Arts community filled with professional theatres, eclectic shops, international dining and home to the world-famous Emmy statue.

Topanga Banjo & Fiddle Contest

Held in mid May
Location: Paramount Movie Ranch Agoura Hills in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
818-382-4819

Call for additional information

Valley Greek Festival

Held mid – late May
Location: St. Sophia Cathedral
1324 S. Normandie Avenue at Pico, Los Angeles
323-737-2424

The Festival not only honors and celebrates the essence of Hellenic culture at its best but also captures the spirit of family fun and entertainment of the neighborhood community that is the BLQ.

June

Playboy Jazz Festival
Held in mid June

Location: Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles
323-850-2050

Call for additional information

August

Nisei Week Japanese Festival

Held in mid August

Location: Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles
213-687-7193

Call for additional information

Celebrating Japanese culture and community through a variety of events and exhibits.

September

Los Angeles County Fair

Held in mid – late September

Location: Fairplex, Pomona
909-623-3111

Call for additional information

Want to grab life by the udders? Then visit the L.A. County Fair, where visitors find one of the largest carnivals in North America, live horse racing, spectacular exhibits, the Flower & Garden Pavilion, great fair food, shopping, the Millard Sheets Gallery and so much more!

Watts Towers Day of the Drum
Held in late September

Location: Watts Towers Art Center Amphitheatre
213-847-4646

Call for additional information

October
Sherman Oaks Street Fair
Held in mid October

Location: Ventura Boulevard between Van Nuys Blvd. and Kester Ave.
818-906-1951

Call for additional information

November

African Film Institute’s Los Angeles International Film Festival

Held in early – mid November

Locations vary

323- 8567707

Call for additional information

Including over 100 films from over 30 countries, and countless world premieres.

Griffith Park Festival
Held late November – most of December

Location: Griffith Park, Los Angeles
323-913-6488

Call for additional information

December

Whale Watching

December – March

Location: San Pedro and vicinity
310-548-8500

Call for additional information

Arts and Entertainment

Los Angeles Opera
135 North Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90012
213-972-7219

Call for performance schedule

Admission Charged

The combination of words and music can, at its best, let us experience things about human character, feelings, moods and motivations that music and words, on their own, are powerless to express. It is like a window into the soul of a character. It is no wonder that no other art form inspires such passion in its audience and participants. Come experience the feeling for yourself.

City Ballet of Los Angeles

1532 West 11th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90015
323-932-1127

Call for performance schedule

Ballet of Los Angeles is committed to tradition; daring to be different and reflecting the diversity that is Los Angeles. Ballet of Los Angeles is an ensemble of world-class dance artists that produces bold, original choreography, superb classics, and brilliant, often rare, works by great choreographers.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic

151 South Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

213- 972-0737

Admission Charged

Call for performance schedule

The Los Angeles Philharmonic is one of the world's greatest musical symphonies, renowned for their brilliant performances and innovative programming. In addition, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association presents the finest guest artists of classical, jazz, and world music, at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music -- the extraordinary Walt Disney Concert Hall and the world-famous Hollywood Bowl.

Theatres

Second City

The Second City Studio Theatre
8156 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046

323-658-8190

The Second City Los Angeles Studio Theatre provides an environment where both students and professionals can learn, explore, expand and showcase their talents applying the distinctive Second City style. Performances at the Studio Theater range from Second City alumni productions to Training Center Graduates Greenhouse shows to training center performances.

Hollywood Bowl

2301 N. Highland Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90078

323-850-2000

In July 11, 1922, with the audience seated on simple wooden benches placed on the natural hillsides of Bolton Canyon, conductor Alfred Hertz and the Los Angeles Philharmonic inaugurated the first season of music under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. While much has changed in the ensuing years, the tradition of presenting the world's greatest musicians and striving for musical excellence has remained a constant goal of this famed Los Angeles cultural landmark.

Actors Art Theatre
6128 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-969-4953

Center for the New Theater at CalArts

650 South Avenue 21

Los Angeles, CA 90031
661-253-7724

Century City Playhouse
10508 W. Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90064
310-204-4440

Coronet Theatre

366 N. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90048

310-657-7377

David Henry Hwang Theater

Located at the Union Center for the Arts - home of the East West Players

120 N. Judge John Aiso

Los Angeles, CA 90012

213-625-4EWP

Evidence Room

2220 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90057

213-381-7118

Gardner State

1501 N. Gardner St.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

323-732-5029

Music Center – Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles

North Grand Avenue at Temple Street,

Los Angeles, CA 90068

323-850-2000

Shubert Theatre

2020 Avenue of the Stars

Los Angeles, CA 90067

800-447-7400

Walt Disney Concert Hall

111 S Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

213-972-7211

UCLA Live

Freud Playhouse

Los Angeles, CA 90001

310-825-2101

As a major producer and presenter of music, dance, theater, and spoken word, UCLA Live brings hundreds of outstanding and provocative artists to Los Angeles each year.

Sports

Los Angeles Lakers

Professional Basketball

Games played at the Staples Center

555 N. Nash Street

El Segundo, CA 92045

213-742-7340

Season runs October – April

Los Angeles Clippers

Professional Basketball

Games played at the Staples Center

555 N. Nash Street

El Segundo, CA 92045

213-742-7340

Season runs October – April

Los Angeles Sparks

Professional Basketball

Games played at the Staples Center

555 N. Nash Street

El Segundo, CA 92045

213-742-7340

Season runs October – April

Los Angeles Dodgers

Professional Baseball

Games played at Dodger Stadium

1000 Elysian Park Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90012

323-224-1448

Season runs April - October

Los Angeles Kings

Professional Hockey

Games played at the Staples Center

555 N. Nash Street

El Segundo, CA 92045

888-KINGS LA

Season runs October – April

Los Angeles Galaxy

Professional Soccer

Games played at The Home Depot Center
18400 Avalon Blvd.

Carson, CA 90746
310-630-2200

Los Angeles Avengers

Arena Football

Games played at the Staples Center

555 N. Nash Street

El Segundo, CA 92045

310-788-7744

Call for schedule

California Museum of Science and Industry
700 State Dr
Los Angeles CA 90037
213-744-7400
Contemporary science and technology museum features exhibits on aerospace, science, earthquakes, mathematics, energy, health and economics. IMAX Theater.

California Science Center
700 State Dr., Exposition Park
213-744-7400
Exhibits focus around the science that we encounter in our to everyday life. Tess, the animatronic star of "BodyWorks," demonstrates how the body's organs work together to maintain balance. The Imax Theater, with 3-D capabilities and a seven-story movie screen, shows science-related films.

Kidspace
390 S. El Molino Ave
626-449-9143
This children's museum is housed in the gymnasium of an elementary school. There are plenty activities for the children to get involved with. Children can direct a television or radio station; dress up in the real uniforms of a firefighter, astronaut, or football player; or play in tunnels for exploring insect life.

La Brea Tar Pits
In the early 20th century, geologists discovered that the sticky tar found in these pits contained the largest collection of Pleistocene, or Ice Age, fossils ever found at one location.

Los Angeles Children's Museum
310 N. Main St
213-687-8800
Hands-on exhibits allow kids to record a song, make a TV show, learn about recycling, create arts and crafts, build a city out of pillows, and practice being a firefighter.

Olvera Street
622 N. Main St. Sepulveda House
213-628-1274
Lively, one-block Olvera Street tantalizes with tile walkways, piñatas, mariachis, and authentic Mexican food. Restored as an open-air Mexican market in 1930, the street is the symbol of the city's beginnings when the original settlers built earthen and willow huts near the river. Vendors sell puppets, tooled leather goods, sandals, serapes, and other items from little stalls that line the center of the narrow street.

Pacific Park
380 Santa Monica Pier 310-260-8747
The 12 rides at Santa Monica Pier's 2-acre amusement facility include a roller coaster, a giant Ferris wheel, a flying submarine, and the Rock and Roll, a spinning experience with a light show and rousing music.

Santa Monica Pier
Colorado Ave. and the ocean
310-458-8900
Eateries, souvenir shops, a psychic adviser, arcades, and the Pacific Park amusement facilities are all part of this truncated pier at the foot of Colorado Boulevard below Palisades Park.

Universal Studios
100 Universal City Place
818-508-9600
Visiting the theme park is a sensational introduction to the principles of special effects. Seated aboard a comfortable tram you can experience the parting of the Red Sea, meet a 30-ft-tall version of King Kong, be attacked by the ravenous killer shark, and endure a confrontation by aliens armed with death rays.  With a “Front of the Line Pass”, visitors can get priority seating with no wait in line and go behind the scenes after the show to meet the stars (animal or human) and learn about special effects, etc.  The pass is well worth the small additional cost.